We pit the Toyota Yaris against the Hyundai Getz and Mazda2.

What used small car should I buy?

The dilemma: Claudia is looking for an affordable used car that will reliably get her to work for the next few years and also cope with the odd weekend away with friends.

She’s tending towards a Toyota Yaris but not sure whether she should be looking at other options.

The budget: About $10,000

The shortlist:

The Yaris is far from the cheapest light car you can target in this segment of the used market but its all-round competence and dependability make the natural benchmark for most kinds of buyers.

If you don’t want a Toyota? Well, there’s certainly no shortage of other options to choose from and the sheer competitiveness of the class means the vast majority are going to be there or thereabouts.

For all that, though, the list of light cars with the talent or critical point of difference to really put a Yaris in the shade in this scenario is quite small. Here are two we’d be considering before we committed to the Toyota.

2005-11 Hyundai Getz 1.6, from $3870*

First things first, the Getz isn’t as good as a Yaris, even in the post-2005 updated form we’re recommending here. It doesn’t drive as nicely, feels cheaper and its earlier origins mean curtain airbags aren’t available.

The latter is only going to be an issue, however, if you’re comparing it to a Toyota with the extra bags, and not many had them. Nor do the road manners, which are average rather than terrible, really diminish from its ability to serve up thrifty, practical and dependable transport at minimum cost.

Average resale means you can also target much fresher examples than your average Japanese light car but don’t be tempted by entry-level 1.4-litre models; 1.6s are better to drive, darn near as economical and match the Yaris with mandatory anti-lock brakes.

This generation of 2 is much boxier than most light cars of this vintage but what you lose in looks is balanced by its impressive space and versatility.

The Mazda isn’t the only light car with this trick but it takes a lead over Honda’s similarly practical Jazz with road manners that deliver a more satisfying blend of comfort and handling. A mandatory 1.5-litre engine (the Honda has a wimpy 1.3 on lower level models) is another advantage.

The 2 also makes a strong case against the Yaris with its similarly solid quality/reliability prospects and curtain-airbag availability. The only real downside is you’ll have to aim for a topline Genki models to get ABS, or find a lower level model that had it as an option.

This generation of Yaris is now superseded but strong resale means they still command decent money. Don’t expect to get one as new or as fresh as a similarly priced Getz, or even a 2.

But the premium is for the most part justified by its clever cabin, eminently capable road manners, blemish-free quality/reliabity prospects and the fact all models got ABS. Find one with the optional safety pack and you can add curtain and a driver’s knee airbag to that list.

Issues? Well, the 1.3 and 1.5-litre engines aren’t up to the standard of the 2’s zesty donk, nor is the Toyota as satisfying to drive, but that’s small fry really. Significant shortcomings are notable by their absence.

The Hyundai is worth considering if you absolutely must get the newest, freshest light car you can for $10K. But we’d sooner hold out for a mint example of the Mazda and the Toyota, even if we ended up with an earlier build date and more kays on the clock.

Which one? Well, the 2 is a great car and in the case of an ABS-equipped model it would probably take out this contest as it’s more satisfying to drive, with an extra sheen of versatility that makes it a better weekender.

In the end, though, the Yaris’ standard ABS means no such sifting will be required. While it’s not as loveable as the Mazda and its practicality range is slightly narrower, it's otherwise impossible to fault as a used light-car option. Buy with confidence.

* Values are estimates provided by Glass’s Guide for private sale based on an entry-level model averaging up to 20,000km per annum and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age.